Lens came back from a goal down to beat Reims 4-2 this evening and earn their first win of the Ligue 1 campaign, in a game which saw the hosts score two second-half penalties.
Reims got off to a flying start as they took the lead in the seventh minute through Aissa Mandi, who latched on to Diego's cross to tap home from close range.
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The hosts almost pulled level when Adamo Coulibaly leapt highest to meet a cross, but he could only head wide of Reims goalkeeper Rudy Riou and past the post.
Despite not threatening a great deal in the opening half, Lens did pull level just before the break when Ludovic Baal fed Wylan Cyprien outside of the box, leaving him to lash home a powerful effort into the top corner.
Lens took the momentum into the second period and they soon found themselves ahead when goalscorer Cyprien found Pablo Chavarria in the six-yard area, allowing the striker to finish into the roof of the net.
The home team secured their three points with a third goal in the 61st minute as Yoann Touzghar converted from the spot after Franck Signorino brought down Dimitri Kevin Cavare in the box.
The third Lens goal proved to be vital given that Reims hit back with a late one of their own, as Mandi crossed for Gaetan Courtet to leave the hosts holding on for the final 10 minutes of the game.
However, their nerves were left to rest as Coulibaly made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to give Lens some breathing space at 4-2.
Christopher Dodd
